The degradation of the environment (the air we breathe, the food we eat, the water we drink and the ecosystems that sustain us) is estimated to be responsible for at least a quarter of the global total burden of disease, according to a United Nations Environment Program report entitled “Healthy Environment, Healthy People”.

Based on evidence of the linkages between poor environmental quality and health, the report identifies several priorities, including:

-Nutritionally poor diet composition and quality, as well as reduced physical activity, which has increased the growth of non-communicable diseases throughout the world; and

-Degraded ecosystems and stresses to the earth’s natural systems, which reduce the services that support human health, increase exposure to natural disasters, jeopardise food security and, at times, give rise to outbreaks of disease.

The report provides a strong basis for looking at ways to limit our impact on the environment – for our own health.

What can we do to make a difference?

1) Start recycling. This is one of the easiest ways of making a difference for our world. Try the Earth Probiotic Bokashi recycle system, which recycles food waste into soil food through composting!

2) Disposable nappies are consuming our landfills. Each child who wears disposable nappies produces approximately two tons of non-biodegradable waste before they are potty trained. Re-usable cloth nappies are an easy way to reduce your carbon footprint, one nappy at a time.

3) Did you know that the animal agriculture sector makes up 29% of global agriculture water requirements? That means an average of 4 323 litres of water is required to produce 1kg of chicken, whereas less than half of that is needed to produce 1kg of cereals. Make a difference and pledge to Green Mondays. Swop out the meat, eggs and dairy in your diet for delicious plant-based foods every Monday.

4) The chemicals in cleaning products are an issue, as is the packaging they come in. Switch to Earth Sap’s green cleaning range, free from toxins and toxic smells. The range is bio-degradable and environmentally friendly too.

5) Our skin is our largest organ and absorbs approximately 60% of products you apply. These are scary statistics when you think of all the ingredients that you can’t pronounce or name that are in your skincare routine! Organic skincare products are better for your health and the environment. Try Esse or Pure Beginnings and you will be surprised how much your skin will benefit.

6) Don’t dispose of your pharmaceutical waste in the bin or drain. Bring it to your pharmacy and they will safely dispose of it for you. As part of Thrive’s commitment to Going Green, you are welcome to bring in any old polytop bottles and we will clean them and recycle.

Thrive is the new name for National Road Pharmacy, 1 Natalia Terrace, Charles Way, Kloof